The Backroad Rescue Project

A mission rooted in service

At The Backroad Rescue Project, we are a nonprofit organization founded by a team of dedicated first responders who have experienced firsthand the challenges faced by rural fire and EMS departments. These departments, often the backbone of their communities, operate with limited resources, underfunded budgets, and aging equipment. Recognizing the urgent need for support, we launched this organization to bridge the gap and ensure that every rural community has access to life-saving services.

Our mission extends far beyond providing essential equipment, training, and resources to these departments. We are deeply committed to the well-being of the first responders themselves—the brave men and women who risk everything to keep us safe. That’s why we prioritize supporting injured heroes and addressing the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by first responders. By focusing on comprehensive support, we aim to build stronger, healthier departments that can better serve their communities.

As a nonprofit, our work is fueled by the generosity of individuals, organizations, and communities that share our vision. Through events, partnerships, and the sale of exclusive merchandise, every dollar we raise is reinvested into our mission. Whether it’s funding vital equipment, offering mental health resources, or providing a helping hand to injured responders, our goal is to make a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of those who dedicate themselves to protecting others.

We believe that no first responder should feel unsupported, and no community should go unprotected. Together, we can ensure safer, stronger communities, honor the heroes who serve them and continue to fuel hope, one department at a time.

Know the facts

  1. Across the United States, 70% of firefighters serve on a volunteer basis, dedicating their time and energy to protecting their communities without full-time compensation. Additionally, 50% of fire departments are located in rural areas, where resources are often limited, and funding challenges are significant.

  2. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Americans of any age claiming the lives of 47,000 people in 2017 (Vigil et al., 2020). Suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and completed suicide, however, are at a significantly and disproportionately higher rate among first responders including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel (Aldrich & Cerel, 2022; Ringer et al., 2021; Stanley et al., 2019; Streeb et al., 2019). Among these, firefighters are at the highest risk for suicide compared to the other professions (Streeb et al., 2019). According to Aldrich and Cerel (2019) a little over 25% of firefighters considered suicide, and around 12% made a suicide plan. Streeb et al. (2019) reported even higher rates of suicidal ideation (46.8%), suicide plans (29.2%), and suicide attempts (15.5%) among firefighters. This is at a higher rate than the general population which is around 5.6-14.3%, 3.9%, and 1.9-8.7% respectively (Streeb et al., 2019)

    [Source: Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies]

  3. Data from NFPA’s 2023 national fire experience survey indicates that municipal firefighters experienced 63,175 injuries in 2023, a 4 percent decrease from the estimated 65,650 injuries in 2022

 FAQs

  • The Backroad Rescue Project is a nonprofit organization founded by first responders to support rural fire and EMS departments. We provide essential equipment, training, and mental health resources to ensure that first responders have the tools they need to serve their communities safely and effectively.

  • Every dollar raised through The Backroad Rescue Project goes directly toward supporting the firefighters and EMS professionals who serve rural communities. These first responders often work with outdated equipment, limited resources, and tight budgets—yet they answer the call without hesitation. Your support helps provide:

    - Essential Equipment & Gear – From turnout gear and SCBAs to medical supplies and wildland firefighting tools, we help departments get the life-saving equipment they need.

    - Apparatus & Vehicle Assistance – Many rural stations rely on aging fire trucks and ambulances. We assist in funding upgrades and replacements to ensure they can respond safely and effectively.

    - Training & Education – Proper training saves lives. Your donations help fund certification programs, hands-on training, and continuing education for firefighters and EMS personnel.

    - Mental Health & Wellness Support – First responders face immense stress and trauma. We invest in resources that promote mental health awareness, peer support programs, and wellness initiatives.

    By donating or purchasing from The Backroad Rescue Project, you’re not just giving back—you’re helping to ensure that the men and women who protect our rural communities have the tools, training, and support they need to stay safe while saving lives.

    Together, we can make a real difference.

  • Our foundation was founded by a team of first responders who saw a critical need in the market for additional resources for rural departments. Recognizing that these departments often struggle with limited funding, we launched this foundation to fill that gap and support those who serve on the front lines.

  • There are several ways to support The Backroad Rescue Project! You can make a donation, shop our merchandise, or attend one of our community events. If you're interested in volunteering, please reach out to us through our contact form.

  • Yes! We’re always looking to partner with rural fire and EMS departments to understand their unique needs and provide customized support. If you represent a department and would like to learn more about working with us, please contact us directly.

  • We prioritize departments based on their immediate needs, the availability of other funding sources, and the impact we believe our support can have on their ability to serve their community. Each application for funding is carefully reviewed by our team.

  • You can stay informed by following us on social media, signing up for our newsletter, or checking our website for updates. We regularly share stories, department success stories, and event news.

  • Absolutely! We’re always open to corporate partnerships that align with our mission. Please reach out to us via our partnerships email at support@backroadrescue.org to explore how we can work together.

Join Us to Bridge the Gap